Philadelphians express their reaction to proposed investments to Make Philadelphia Safer, Cleaner, Greener, with Access to Economic Opportunity for All

PHILADELPHIA – Today, March 14, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker delivered her first budget address to City Council. Her ‘One Philly Budget’ includes a proposed $2 billion investment over five years in proposed funding in five sectors: Public Safety, Clean and Green, Economic Opportunity, Housing, and Education. The proposed budget now must be approved by City Council. Find more information on Mayor Parker’s budget proposal online.

Learn more about what business, public safety, education and community leaders are saying about Mayor Parker’s budget proposal for a $2 billion investment in Philadelphia over the next five years.

Intergovernmental Cooperation

Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd): “I am proud to call Mayor Cherelle L. Parker a friend and colleague. Intergovernmental cooperation is essential for the betterment of the Commonwealth and for getting more funds to the largest city in our state. Mayor Parker and the Parker Administration have my strong support as they push for the best for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.”

Public Safety

Officer Jerald Moody, Philadelphia Police District: “Having worked with Mayor Parker, I know firsthand her commitment to Community Policing and its positive impact on the community. Community Policing is one of the best ways to create a culture of trust between the community and law enforcement.”

Stanley Crawford, President & CEO of Black Male Community Council: “The state of our city requires all hands on deck. We need to use our time, and energy intelligently to make visible changes in public safety. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker says she will use every tool in the toolbox to get the job done and I have the utmost confidence in her to deliver on that promise.”

Bilal Qayyum, Executive Director of Father’s Day Rally Committee: “Mayor Parker’s Public Safety plan is people-centered and well-suited to address the needs of this city. The gun violence in our city is out of hand and needs to stop. Mayor Parker has made it clear that this is one of her top priorities and I will do whatever I can to support her bringing an end to the violence in our city.”

Chantay Love, Co-Founder and President of Every Murder is Real: “Our city residents deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and well-being in a holistic, trauma-informed manner. I applaud Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers’ commitment to creating a safer Philadelphia for all.”

Anton Moore, Founder of Unity in the Community: “We must ensure we are doing everything we possibly can to keep our children and our community safe. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has proven she will do what it takes and continues to show a dedication to our city daily.”

Kensington

Dionicio Jiminez & Mariangeli Alicea Saez, Owners of Cantina La Martina: “We commend Mayor Cherelle L. Parker for championing policies that prioritize economic opportunity and safety. Her leadership is instrumental in making the Kensington community safer for our families and businesses.”

Donna Aument, Kensington Resident: “In Kensington, restoring safety is key to reclaiming our streets. We stand united with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in prioritizing our city’s safety and fostering a secure environment for all residents to thrive.”

Economic Opportunity

Della Clark, President of the Enterprise Center: “Historically, developers of color are disenfranchised when it comes to access to capital. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s proposed investment into Funds that provide diverse entrepreneurs access to equity investments is exactly what the minority business owners and entrepreneurs of this city need!”

Andy Toy, Policy Director of Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations: “Neighborhood businesses are the glue that keeps Philadelphia’s’ economy together. Community Development across Philadelphia is my passion, and I love to hear Madam Mayor say she wants economic opportunity for all. I offer the support of PACDC in any way possible to make that happen.”

Clean & Green

Khalif Worrell, Manager of TWB Cleaning Contractors: “My mother took a leap of faith when establishing TWB Cleaning Contractors and it came with great reward. The partnership with the Parker Administration and PHL Take Care of Business is crucial for our small business’s growth and ability to provide employment opportunities to the community.”

Tonnetta Graham, President of Strawberry Mansion CDC: “Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Clean and Green initiative is the definition of ‘Preserving Our Past and Investing in Our Future’. Those who love the city are disgusted by terms like ‘Filthadelphia’ and want to see our community well taken care of and presented as a desirable place to live.”

Housing

Marjorie Howell, City Employee & Turn the Key Homeowner: “Turn the Key allowed me to purchase a home and that is an opportunity I will never forget. I’m grateful to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and this administration for ensuring I could achieve my dream with an affordable house that looks amazing.”

Education

Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia: “The future of Philadelphia relies on the fiscal health of our school system. Our students deserve access to 21st century learning environments, safer neighborhoods and well supported and stable educational services that will help students imagine and realize any future they desire. I applaud Mayor Cherelle Parker for her diligence and dedication to our students when developing this budget that continues to support Philadelphia’s youth and will help us to become the fastest improving, large urban school district in the nation.”